Senator Orlando Parga told hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists gathered outside their country's capitol building August 30 that their prayers and example could help Puerto Rico overcome a steady rise in violence against women, children and the elderly over the past decade.

"It is an honour to welcome you to the capitol," Parga, vice president of the nation's senate, told the more than 500 marchers. "Puerto Rico needs much prayer and spiritual strength."

Community and government leaders joined in the march through San Juan, which wrapped up a three-month anti-violence campaign organized by four of Puerto Rico's church regions. The campaign cast Adventists as concerned and active citizens, organizers said.

Church officials promoted awareness against violence in public schools and universities, as well as correction facilities, where they offered seminars on ending violence, said Freddy Sosa, communication director for the church in Puerto Rico.

Sosa, who participated in the march, said the prevention campaign was very significant for the church.

Puerto Rican police report some 435 cases of domestic violence per 100,000 inhabitants in the nation of an estimated 3.9 million, a church spokesperson said.

Marchers carried a 600-foot-long banner covered with more than 7,500 handprints collected from fellow islanders in support of the church's campaign. At the end of the march, Jose A. Rodriguez handed the banner to Felix V. Matos, Puerto Rico's secretary ministry of the family, who thanked the church for its efforts.

Earlier this year, church members distributed more than 250,000 magazines promoting the family and respect for life and spoke out against drug addiction.

More than 37,000 Adventists worship in 295 congregations in Puerto Rico.[Editor. Libna Stevens for ANN/APD]